Lume AI
Updated 23 Jan 2026 · US
Best SSDs Under $300
This page answers: Which SSDs under $300 offer the best performance and reliability?
Prices can change on Amazon. We don’t accept paid placements — picks are ranked for value + trust signals.
If you're looking to upgrade your storage without breaking the bank, there are plenty of solid-state drives (SSDs) available for under $300. These drives can significantly enhance your PC or laptop's performance, whether for gaming, content creation, or everyday tasks.
In this guide, we've rounded up the best SSDs under $300 based on user ratings, reviews, and performance specifications. Each option offers a unique set of features to cater to different needs and preferences.
As an Amazon Associate, Lume AI may earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you).
Tip: if two options look similar, prioritise clearer specs and fewer trade-offs — it usually means fewer surprises.
Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5” Internal Solid State
General use and upgrades: The Samsung 870 EVO is praised for its speed and reliability.
Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen 4x4, Gen 5x2 M.2
Gaming and demanding applications: The Samsung 990 EVO Plus offers top-tier speeds.
Crucial P310 1TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280, Up to 7,100MB/s
Budget-conscious users: The Crucial P310 provides impressive speeds at a lower price.
Crucial MX500 1TB SATA 6Gbps 2.5" Internal SSD
General computing: The Crucial MX500 is reliable and well-reviewed.
Western Digital 500GB WD Blue 3D NAND Internal PC SSD
Laptops and small form factors: The Western Digital Blue SSD is compact and efficient.
| # | Product | Best for | Key facts | Pros | Cons | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5” Internal Solid State | General use and upgrades |
|
|
|
90/100 |
| #2 | Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen 4x4, Gen 5x2 M.2 | Gaming and demanding applications |
|
|
|
88/100 |
| #3 | Crucial P310 1TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280, Up to 7,100MB/s | Budget-conscious users |
|
|
|
87/100 |
| #4 | Crucial MX500 1TB SATA 6Gbps 2.5" Internal SSD | General computing |
|
|
|
85/100 |
| #5 | Western Digital 500GB WD Blue 3D NAND Internal PC SSD | Laptops and small form factors |
|
|
|
82/100 |
- Quality High
- Features Medium
- Ease of use Medium
- Reliability Medium
- Value Medium
- Samsung 870 EVO offers great speed and reliability.
- Samsung 990 EVO Plus is ideal for high-performance needs.
- Crucial P310 provides excellent value with fast speeds.
- Crucial MX500 is a solid choice for everyday tasks.
- Western Digital Blue SSD is compact and reliable.
-
#1
Best overall Lume Score 90/100Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5” Internal Solid StateGeneral use and upgradesThe Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SSD is a top choice for those looking to enhance their PC or laptop's performance. Its combination of speed and reliability makes it suitable for a wide range of users.Opens in a new tab.Best for: General use and upgrades Avoid if: You need the absolute fastest speeds. Lume Score: 90/100Reasons to buy
- High user rating
- Reliable performance
- Great for everyday tasks
Reasons to avoid- Not the fastest SSD available
- Limited advanced features
Key facts- 1TB capacity
- SATA III interface
Score breakdown- Quality: 9/10
- Features: 7/10
- Ease of use: 8/10
- Reliability: 9/10
- Value: 8/10
-
#2
Best performance Lume Score 88/100Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen 4x4, Gen 5x2 M.2Gaming and demanding applicationsThe Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB SSD is designed for high-performance needs, making it ideal for gamers and professionals who require fast data access.Opens in a new tab.Best for: Gaming and demanding applications Avoid if: You're on a tight budget. Lume Score: 88/100Reasons to buy
- Outstanding speed
- Large capacity
- Advanced technology
Reasons to avoid- Higher price point
- May be overkill for casual users
Key facts- 2TB capacity
- PCIe Gen 4x4 interface
Score breakdown- Quality: 10/10
- Features: 9/10
- Ease of use: 8/10
- Reliability: 9/10
- Value: 7/10
-
#3
Best value Lume Score 87/100Crucial P310 1TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280, Up to 7,100MB/sBudget-conscious usersThe Crucial P310 1TB SSD offers excellent value with impressive speeds, making it a great choice for budget-conscious users.Opens in a new tab.Best for: Budget-conscious users Avoid if: You need a larger capacity. Lume Score: 87/100Reasons to buy
- Fast speeds
- Affordable price
- Includes data recovery software
Reasons to avoid- Less brand recognition
- Limited advanced features
Key facts- 1TB capacity
- PCIe Gen4 NVMe interface
Score breakdown- Quality: 8/10
- Features: 7/10
- Ease of use: 8/10
- Reliability: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
-
#4
Best for everyday tasks Lume Score 85/100Crucial MX500 1TB SATA 6Gbps 2.5" Internal SSDGeneral computingThe Crucial MX500 1TB SATA SSD is a reliable option for everyday tasks, providing a solid performance boost for general computing.Opens in a new tab.Best for: General computing Avoid if: You need the fastest speeds. Lume Score: 85/100Reasons to buy
- Solid user rating
- Good reliability
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid- Not the fastest SSD
- Limited advanced features
Key facts- 1TB capacity
- SATA 6Gbps interface
Score breakdown- Quality: 8/10
- Features: 7/10
- Ease of use: 8/10
- Reliability: 9/10
- Value: 8/10
-
#5
Best compact option Lume Score 82/100Western Digital 500GB WD Blue 3D NAND Internal PC SSDLaptops and small form factorsThe Western Digital Blue 500GB SSD is a compact and reliable option, perfect for enhancing storage in laptops and desktops.Opens in a new tab.Best for: Laptops and small form factors Avoid if: You need a larger capacity. Lume Score: 82/100Reasons to buy
- Compact design
- Reliable performance
- Good user feedback
Reasons to avoid- Lower speed compared to NVMe
- Limited capacity
Key facts- 500GB capacity
- SATA III 6 Gb/s interface
Score breakdown- Quality: 8/10
- Features: 7/10
- Ease of use: 8/10
- Reliability: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Understanding SSD Types
There are different types of SSDs, including SATA and NVMe. SATA SSDs are generally slower but more affordable, while NVMe SSDs offer faster speeds and are ideal for gaming and heavy applications. Consider your needs when choosing between them.
Capacity Considerations
When selecting an SSD, think about how much storage you need. For general use, a 1TB SSD is often sufficient, but if you store large files or games, you may want to consider larger capacities.
Brand Reputation
Choosing a reputable brand can ensure better reliability and customer support. Brands like Samsung and Crucial have established themselves as leaders in the SSD market.
How we chose these picks
We evaluated the top SSDs based on:
- User ratings and review counts to gauge overall satisfaction
- Performance specifications like speed and reliability
- Value for money considering the features offered
- Brand reputation and customer feedback
Tip: if two options look similar, prioritise clearer specs and fewer trade-offs — it usually means fewer surprises.
How we tested
Why trust Lume AI
What is the best SSD under $300?
The Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SSD is highly rated for its speed and reliability.
Are SSDs worth the investment?
Yes, SSDs provide faster data access and improved performance compared to traditional hard drives.
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